Paul prepares for the challenge of a lifetime to support Aerobility

Last year Paul Yates decided to take on the challenge of a lifetime by signing up to run the 2015 London Marathon to raise money for Aerobility. With only 8 weeks to go here's Pauls training update:

'Training is going very well even with a couple of hiccups along the way including a dodgy knee and a touch of man flu. I've been lucky with the weather for my long runs so far, I do these on a Saturday and I'm doing quite a bit of cycling to mix things up a bit. The next milestone I'm working towards is the Reading Half Marathon which takes place on the 22nd March. I'm very weak when it comes to things that could get in the way of training, bad weather, a warm fire but especially a cheeky beer or two! So I've also been 'on the wagon' since January 1st which is a task in itself, especially during the Six nations! If you think the running and training or my abstinence from the amber nectar deserves a donation or two please visit my fundraising page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/flyingprop'

Light fantastic!

Check out the amazing video taken on board Aerobility Aurora. Thank you to easyJet!

BWPA Diamond Jubilee - White Waltham Airfield 30/31 May 2015

A great celebration of women in aviation, past, present and future with talks, flying displays, exhibitions and book signings

Saturday 30 May: A Focus on Aviation Today - and Tomorrow, with;

* Dorothy Saul-Pooley, Master of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots;

*Dr Heather McGregor (Mrs. Moneypenny of the Financial Times) and private pilot;

*Tracey Curtis Taylor and her flight from Goodwood to Cape Town in a Biplane;

* Dr Vivienne Lee, on the Aeromedical Challenges of Fast Jet Flight;

* Professor Monica Grady, Space Research and Space Travel.

Saturday evening will feature: Champagne Reception and Dinner, with guest speaker -

*Clare Walker, of the Royal Aeronautical Society 'Women in Aviation' Initiative

Sunday 31 May; Vintage Day, featuring;

*Richard Poad, Maidenhead Heritage Centre; The history of the Air Transport Auxiliary; *Midge Gillies and Jane Priston, a joint presentation, Amy Johnson, Lone Girl Flyer.

Fly in or drive to the event; discounts will be arranged with selected local hotels.  Registration is open to BWPA members and other aviation enthusiasts. For further details of events and ticket options go to http://bwpa.co.uk/event/diamond-jubilee-celebration

For more information contact Julie Westhorp: juliewesthorp@yahoo.com

Aviation Education Programme – Fire and Rescue

We had a great AEP session this week which included a very informative trip to the Fire Station here at Blackbushe.  The boys were shown around the fire trucks and equipment and had a look at the protective clothing that the fire fighters have to put on in record time!  The session ended in the (warmer!) classroom with some activities that demonstrated which fire extinguisher should be used on which type of fire. The session finished with the boys having a look at the emergency procedures on a commercial aeroplane, including the brace position.  Let's hope it never has to be put into practice!!  A big thank you to the Blackbushe Fire Crew.